Various smuggled Chinese medicines allegedly used in treating COVID-19 related cases worth P1.5 million were uncovered in a storage-turned-makeshift clinic in Pasay City, the Bureau of Customs said Saturday.
A team from the Manila International Container Port, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Bureau of Investigation inspected the facility last Jan. 14 and discovered various Chinese medicines believed to be unregistered.
One of the seized medicines was identified as Ribavirin “which is used for treatment of pneumonia and bronchitis thus leading to strong suspicions that the clinic was treating COVID-related cases,” according to the bureau.
The medicines were seized and are now undergoing further inventory and investigation for violation of Section 1113 of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Investigation is also underway to identify those responsible in operating the makeshift clinic, the bureau said.
It also warned against the use of medicines without the proper clearances from the Department of Health and Food and Drug Administration.
The bureau also appealed to the public to stop from seeking treatment from fly by night clinics that may cause further health risks, adding that it’s better to reach out to concerned agencies for appropriate treatment and to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. (Betheena Unite)
